2.6 The Past in the Present - Std 9 - Kumarbharati

Author: Anonymous (A Skit)

Genre: Play / Skit

Textbook: English Kumarbharati – Std X

Board: Maharashtra State Board

English Summary

The Past in the Present is a humorous yet meaningful skit that begins with a teenage boy, Neel, trying to avoid cleaning his room. When his mother insists, he complains about the chore. To make a point, his mother narrates how boys in the past – including his own ancestors – also had household responsibilities. Through a series of flashbacks from the 1950s to as far back as 3000 BCE, we meet Neel’s ancestors, each complaining about having to make their beds, despite already completing numerous daily tasks. This chain of scenes shows that chores have always been part of growing up. In the end, Neel realises that responsibility is a timeless virtue. The skit cleverly connects history with present-day teenage life, using humour, repetition, and changing costumes to deliver a universal message.

Theme / Central Idea

The skit teaches that household responsibilities are not new—they have existed for generations. It highlights how discipline, work ethic, and responsibility are timeless values passed through every era.

Character Sketches

1. Neel

• A typical modern teenager

• Tries to avoid cleaning his room

• Questions the need for repetitive tasks

• Learns about the value of daily chores through storytelling

• Realises the importance of responsibility

  
  

2. Mom (Neel’s Mother)

• Practical and persuasive

• Uses storytelling instead of scolding

• Patiently explains generational responsibility

• Teaches through connection and empathy

  
  

3. Boys from the Past (1950s to 3000 BCE)

• Each represents a generation

• Responsible for heavier tasks of their time

• Share similar excuses and frustrations

• Show cultural and technological shifts

• Serve as humorous but insightful reminders of discipline

Word Meanings

Grammar Questions

1. Infinitive / Gerund

   Sentence: I wish to go to watch the puppet show.

   Question: Identify the infinitive.

   Answer: to go

   
   

2. Passive Voice / Indirect Speech

   Sentence: I put the dishes in the dishwasher.

   Question: Change into passive voice.

   Answer: The dishes were put in the dishwasher (by me).

   
   

3. Modal Question

   Sentence: Why do I have to make my bed?

   Question: Identify the modal and its function.

   Answer: have to – expresses obligation

   
   

4. Tense or Transformation

   Sentence: I chopped the wood and washed clothes.

   Question: Change into present perfect tense.

   Answer: I have chopped the wood and washed clothes.

   
   

5. Wh-question framing

   Sentence: Neel wants to go out.

   Question: Where does Neel want to go?

   Answer: Neel wants to go out.

   
   

Personal Response Questions

1. Do you think Neel learned an important lesson by the end of the play?

   • Yes, Neel understood that every generation has had responsibilities. He realised that doing chores builds habits and that work is essential at every age.

     
     

2. What message does the skit convey about responsibility?

   • The skit shows that no matter the century, boys have had to contribute to household work. Responsibility is a quality that never goes out of date.

     
     

3. If you were Neel, how would you feel after seeing the past generations?

   • I would feel humbled and motivated. Knowing that my ancestors did much harder work would make me take my small chores seriously.

     
     

4. What makes this skit humorous yet meaningful?

   • The repetition of excuses, changing clothes, and ancient language adds humour. Yet the underlying message about responsibility is strong and relevant.

     
     

True or False

1. Neel happily cleaned his room without complaining.

   → False

   
   

2. The ancestor from 1950s had to water the garden and bring groceries.

   → True

   
   

3. All boys in the skit disliked making their beds.

   → True

   
   

Probable Board Questions

1. Why does the skit involve so many different generations?

   • It shows that responsibility is a universal value. The use of different generations highlights that every boy has faced similar expectations across history.

     
     

2. How does the mother in the skit convince Neel to do his chores?

   • She creatively narrates the stories of Neel’s ancestors and how they too did difficult chores. This method makes Neel realise the importance of work.

     
     

3. What makes the skit different from a regular story?

   • The skit includes live dialogues, stage directions, and characters from multiple eras. It is meant for performance and is humorous in style.

     
     

4. Describe the main conflict in the skit and how it is resolved.

   • Neel resists doing his chores. His mother uses storytelling and examples from history to help him see the importance of his responsibilities.

   
   

Appreciation / Reflection Paragraph

The Past in the Present is a delightful skit that mixes humour with a life lesson. It presents a common conflict between a parent and teenager in a creative format. By showing ancestors from different centuries, it adds a fun historical touch. The repetition of “Why do I have to make my bed?” across generations is both comic and insightful. The skit teaches that responsibility is timeless. The use of costumes, stage directions, and period dialogue enhances its appeal. I found the play both entertaining and educational.

English Worksheet:

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